Fraud and Scams: the crime of using dishonest methods to take something valuable from another person: a person who pretends to be what he or she is not in order to trick people: a copy of something that is meant to look like the real thing in order to trick people

CARD SKIMMERS (ATM FRAUD)

Card Skimmers are popping up everywhere, do you know how to spot them? Did you know some actually cover the whole device, or "trap" dispensed money?

Check out the guide below on how to see, detect and avoid these types of tactics.

REMEMBER: The best defense against a card skimmer is to cover/hide your PIN entry!

FTC Complaint Assistant | FTCComplaints from consumers help us detect patterns of fraud and abuse. The FTC would like to know about your complaint and the Complaint Assistant will help guide you. On the main FTC page you will find information for: Identity Theft | Free Credit Report | Do Not Call List | Scam Alerts

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)The mission of the Internet Crime Complaint Center is to provide the public with a reliable and convenient reporting mechanism to submit information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation concerning suspected Internet-facilitated criminal activity and to develop effective alliances with law enforcement and industry partners. Information is analyzed and disseminated for investigative and intelligence purposes to law enforcement and for public awareness.

Florida Office of the Attorney General - Consumer Protection DivisionThe Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Attorney General is the civil enforcement authority for all multi-circuit violations of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. The Division protects Florida consumers by pursuing individuals and entities that engage in unfair methods of competition or unconscionable, deceptive and unfair practices in any trade or commerce. The Division also often partners with other state attorneys general, other state agencies, and the federal consumer protection enforcement agencies in joint enforcement efforts.

Florida's Identity Theft Victim KitThis kit is designed to help you through the process of resolving your identity theft case and clearing your name. While there are many general identity theft resource guides available, this kit was specifically developed to provide assistance to Floridians who are identity theft victims, as well as individuals in other states who had their personal information fraudulently used in the state of Florida.

Social Security AdministrationIf you think someone is using your number, there are several actions you can take. Note that we can only resolve Social Security number reporting problems on our own records.

​Florida Department of Business & Professional RegulationThe Construction Industry Licensing Board is responsible for licensing and regulating the construction industry. The board meets regularly to consider applications for licensure, to review disciplinary cases, and to conduct informal hearings relating to licensure and discipline. The board engages in rulemaking to implement the provisions set forth in its statutes and conducts other general business, as necessary.

Senior Tips

Florida Department of Elder Affairs​According to recent US Census Data, the population of Indian River County that is 65+ is at 30% (approx. 43,000 citizens) which means frauds specifically targeting our elder population is very common!

If you would like to receive their Elder Update newspaper (FREE - 2 times a month!) and you reside within the State of Florida you can SIGN UP HERE!!

Child Safety

CDC Parent InformationThe CDC offers a wealth of information to help protect your kids from pregnancy until adulthood.